How I Learned about Me
Creating an identity mood board is a great way to get to know yourself. Exploring who you are, what you like, what inspires you, and how you think is fun.
Self-discovery increases your self-confidence in many areas of your life. It improves your decision-making ability because you gain more self-esteem and self-confidence knowing who you are. Your relationships are better because you become a more authentic person and friend. You build self-esteem because you better appreciate your achievements and accomplishments. Most importantly, it becomes easier to make friends and do business with people who believe what you believe and like what you like.
Improve Your Mental Mindscape
Identity mood boards can help you navigate your mental capacities for building self-esteem, self-confidence, and authenticity.
- Build self-esteem. Mood boards are all about you, so they can inspire you to enjoy your “me” time more fully. You can fill your free time with activities you like to do and projects directly related to your values and goals.
- Increase self-confidence. You can find support from those who love what you love; your interests, activities, beliefs, and experiences.
- Improve authenticity. You and your friends can get to know each other better, or you and your customers. You can discuss the same things and participate in similar activities because your friends align with your beliefs and interests.
My First Identity Mood Board
Author’s First Identity Mood Board
Creating my identity mood board was transformative. I had always struggled to describe my likes and introspections. I struggled to select items that resonated with me or represented my values.
One summer day, I was Googling for ways to modernize a living room. Living room mood board ideas appeared. I had not heard of mood boards. Great idea, I thought, “I’ll create a mood board about me?”
Over the next six months, I collected or took pictures of items representing what was important to me and what I liked. I found Canva and found a simple 9-square mood board template. I inserted nine photos, printed the mood board, and hung it on the wall beside my desk.
Each photo on my mood board stands for something that brings me joy: morning coffee time with my favorite mug; reading, colorful dresses and jewelry that have deeper meanings; nature walks, food preservation, my writing and office chair. I added my mantra, Live to Matter, and a favorite quote for inspiration and introspection.
Your Changing Identity Mood Board
Identity mood boards can change as your identity changes. The mood board I created years ago no longer depicts my nine most important items. It is time to remove old photos and add ones that reflect the present me. By keeping your older mood boards and creating new ones, you can compare the younger you with the present you and track the evolution of your personal growth and development.
Photos/Topics Ideas
- Hobbies and interests: music, sports, or gardening
- Mood or emotions: Colors, textures, and images that evoke happiness, excitement
- Career aspirations: Your dream job or career path, specific skills needed, achievements
- Personal growth: Images of mentors, quotes, milestones
- Relationships: family, friends, or romantic partners
- Favorite quotes
- Self-care: Your self-care routine, activities to relax and unwind
- Travel destinations: Places you’ve been to or would like to visit.
- Fashion styles: Gather images of outfits, accessories, and makeup that you find inspiring or that reflect your style.
- Home decor: Furniture, fabrics, and home accessories that you like
Summary — It Just Takes Time
The key element for creating your identity mood board is time. If you are still in self-discovery or don’t have a clearly defined identity, be curious and open to the things you identify with and those that identify you. Be willing to explore and express your authentic self. Then, you can study and reflect on your board often, gaining confidence and self-esteem as you see how your unique identity shines through your connections with others.